Raision Loimu has a chance to end the semi-final series against Akaa-Volley tonight.
14:38•Updated 14:46
Today, Raision Loimu has a chance to reach the finals in the men’s volleyball championship for the first time since 2001. At that time, the club celebrated the Finnish championship.
Loimu is in the second semi-final series against Akaa-Volley by winning 2–0. Three wins are required for a place in the finals.
Loimu’s head coach Mika Rantanen is very confident ahead of a possible cut-off match.
– We can’t be lulled by two victories, because we need that third one. The boys feel good and their self-confidence is high. We have good setups for that.
In the last game, Akaa’s offensive game faltered.
– It’s the kind of thing that needs to be raised if we want to fight for victory, Akaa’s head coach Olli Kunnari states.
Illnesses
Akaa’s team has had a lot of illnesses recently. For example, I have had the flu Ali Fazliwho scored 36 points in the previous match.
– We had a flu wave in the quarterfinals and now Akaa has it. Little by little, we have put together a standard lineup.
Kunnari admits that the situation is not ideal.
– Guys who got little playing time have been put in the lineup. Some have had to be planted in a new place, so it must be visible somewhere. However, the team is made up of those who are fit to play.
Rantanen says that the differences within the matches have been small. In the attack game, the team has been slightly better than Akaa.
– We have done well against Aka, although we are a little weaker in the receiving game, Rantanen states.
Loimu’s best scorer has been the chopper Joonas Jokela.
– The receivers have also managed well and the blocking game has also been successful.
In the second semifinal pair between Savo Volley and VaLePa, the wins are 1–1. The third match will be played on Tuesday in Kuopio.